Newfoundland/Labrador Trip – July 2024

Donna & I joined a group of seasoned travelers on this Adventures Abroad trip to the Canadian Province of Newfoundland/Labrador. Our journey also took us to the French Islands of Sainte-Pierre & Miquelon which are off the coast of southern Newfoundland. Our tour began in Corner Brook after arriving late morning at the airport in Deer Lake. We met our guide Marion and 16 fellow travelers at the Quality Inn in Corner Brook. This 15-day trip included numerous stops along the Viking Trail, several ferry boat rides, visits to two Canadian National Parks, several Provincial Parks, four lighthouses, a whale watching / Puffin tour and some of the best food we’ve ever eaten. We overnighted in 10 different motels along the way and learned a lot about Newfoundland history, culture and landscape.

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Caribou in the Wild
The Spirit Garden at the Boyd’s Cove Beothuk Site
Cape Spear – the most Northeasterly point in North America

Colombia – January 2024

Embarking, once again, on what has become an annual tradition, my friend Doug Borrett and I delved into the heart of Colombia, this year, with the renowned Adventures Abroad (Canadian) tour company, where every moment was a revelation and every destination a spectacle. Our intimate group of 18 fellow travelers, led by our outstanding guide Andres Fernandez, forged bonds that transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary during our exhilarating two-week escapade.

Our journey kicked off in the pulsating metropolis of Bogotá, nestled in the Andean region. Here, the seamless blend of modern allure and historical mystique unfolded before us like a captivating story. We wandered through the enchanting flower and food market (Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao), marveled at the treasures within the world-famous Gold Museum, walked through the Plaza de Bolivar in the old quarter of La Candelaria, and then ascended, by cable car, to the heights of Montserrate, where panoramic views unveiled the soul-stirring beauty of the Colombian capital.

Venturing into the heart of Colombian coffee culture, we found ourselves immersed in the lush ambiance of a coffee plantation, savoring the essence of a beverage that echoed the nation’s agricultural prowess. Our odyssey then led us to Medellín, the “City of Eternal Spring,” where a perpetual bloom of innovation and warmth permeated the air. Among the innovative urban projects and the captivating Botero Plaza, Medellín showcased its resilience and beauty.

In our final crescendo, we reached Cartagena, a coastal gem adorned with impeccably preserved colonial architecture, earning its rightful place as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The historic Old Town beckoned with tales of centuries past, and as we roamed its cobbled streets, the vibrant atmosphere painted a living canvas of Colombian history and culture.

Throughout our adventure, we not only absorbed the rich tapestry of Colombia’s cultural heritage but also unraveled the stories of our fellow voyagers. Colombia, situated in the northwestern part of South America, emerged as a tapestry of vibrancy and diversity. From the captivating landscapes to the warm embrace of hospitality, every step left an indelible mark on our hearts, making this journey not just a passage through a country but an immersion into the soul of a nation.

Mongolia – July 2023

Above – Video Clip – Ending Celebration at the Naadam festival

Our second Adventures Abroad trip led us to the legendary and adventurous land of Mongolia. In the vibrant capital city, Ulaanbaatar, we met our group of 11 fellow travelers, ready to embark on an enthralling journey. With AA (Adventures Abroad) guiding us, we experienced the mesmerizing essence of Mongolia. Our itinerary included visits to museums, temples, national parks, monasteries, and even the vibrant Naadam festival. However, the highlight of our expedition was undoubtedly the vast and awe-inspiring Gobi Desert. For 5 days, we immersed ourselves in this remote and arid landscape, camping under the stars for five nights in three different Gers. The Gobi Desert captivated us with its boundless expanse and stark beauty, boasting majestic sand dunes, rugged mountains, and unique rock formations. We engaged in archery target shooting, glimpsed nomadic herders living in harmony with the challenging environment, and gained profound insights into their fascinating way of life. From exhilarating rides on Bactrian camels through the shifting sands to discovering ancient petroglyphs, the Gobi Desert provided an exceptional blend of natural wonders and cultural encounters. As the sun gracefully set, painting the sky with hues of red and orange, we felt an undeniable connection to the untamed spirit of Mongolia’s enchanting Gobi Desert. This adventure will forever remain etched in our memories as an unforgettable exploration of a truly remarkable destination.

Australia – February 2020


This was our first “Adventures Abroad” tour, a new company for us. The group consisted of 7 team members and our group leader (Serra). We flew to Melbourne, Canberra, Cairns, Darwin, Alice Springs/Ayers Rock and Sydney, and visited numerous places in each city and surrounding area. We also spent time in several national parks. The hotels were excellent as were the meals. It was a great trip and we visited parts of Australia that we had not seen before.

Beginning our tour of the Australian Great Ocean road
Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef
The Pinnacles (aka the Seven Sisters) are a series of seven volcanic cinder cones on the Atherton Tableland, near Yungaburra, Queensland, Australia.